Due to the current corona pandemic, this year's pride festival is held digitally in Stockholm. in June, it was announced that Crown Princess Victoria would be this year's opening speaker for the parade.

Despite the fact that this year's festival takes place without the traditional parade through the city, the princess emphasizes in her speech that you can still experience the feeling of the festival from a distance.

"The responsibility rests with us all"

She also emphasizes the importance of carrying out the festival and standing up for the LGBTQ movement during the pandemic, when much is put on pause and development goes backwards in some places.

- It is a reminder of all the progress that has been made - but also of everything that remains to be done. And that responsibility rests on all of us. On you and on me. We must not be silent, says the princess in the speech.

First out in the royal family

Crown Princess Victoria is the first member of the royal family to participate in a context with Stockholm Pride. However, she has shown commitment to the movement on previous occasions, for example in 2014 when she participated in the QX gala and handed out the award "Gay of the Year".

"It feels extremely nice that the Crown Princess wants to start our Digital Pride Parade and stand up for the rights of LGBTQ people at a time when we believe that more is needed than ever," said Vix Herjeryd, chairman of Stockholm Pride in a press release.

The parade is replaced this year by a digital manifestation that is broadcast between kl. 12 - 14 on Saturday. After the Crown Princess' introductory speech, the broadcast will consist of pride greetings from well-known LGBTQ profiles, artists and submitted contributions.